Pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 1

This code signifies an early-stage pressure injury located on the sacrum, characterized by non-blanchable erythema of intact skin. It indicates a localized area of persistent redness that does not turn white when pressed, often with discoloration, warmth, or hardness in darker skin tones. This stage represents the initial observable damage to the skin and underlying tissue due to sustained pressure.

Apply this code when documentation clearly identifies a pressure ulcer on the sacral region that meets the criteria for a Stage 1 injury. This typically involves a physician's or wound care specialist's assessment noting intact skin with non-blanchable erythema. Ensure the location is explicitly stated as the sacrum.

• Always confirm the specific anatomical site (sacral region) and the documented stage (Stage 1).
• Do not use for deep tissue injury (DTI) or other types of skin breakdown; these have distinct codes.
• Proper sequencing requires reporting the underlying cause of the pressure ulcer if known and applicable (e.g., immobility).